Health concerns: Residents demand developer drops sand plant

RESIDENTS have called for a controversial, Forest Glen sand plant proposal to be formally dumped.

The polarising proposal for a sand extraction plant off Malones Rd, Eudlo Flats Rd and Maroochydore Rd has been met with plenty of criticism and concern from locals fearful of potential health risks and other impacts of the project.

Stop the Maroochy Sand Mine, a Diddillibah Progress Association sub-committee, yesterday called for the proposal to be officially dropped, requesting proponents Maroochydore Sands Pty Ltd, through director Michael Mullins, to withdraw the development application.

Mr Mullins last week outlined his commitment to children's health and safety, as a founding director of the Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute; however a Stop the Maroochy Sand Mine spokesman yesterday called on Mr Mullins to honour that commitment.

"Due to the large volume of evidence suggesting serious threats from this particular development to the health and safety of the local residents, children and families, it is the considered opinion of the committee that the only way to guarantee all members in this community are protected is for the development to be considered too high risk, and as such have the development application withdrawn," the statement read.

"The Committee believe the only responsible action that could seriously reflect and properly represent Michael Mullins' statements is the withdrawal of the application in its entirety without delay," the group's spokesman said.

Mr Mullins responded to the calls late yesterday, offering advice from another medical expert in Thoracic Physician Dr Maurice Heiner.

Mr Mullins said he'd approached Dr Heiner to provide an "independent review", and that no money had exchanged hands.

"There is no need for community concern about health risks associated with the Maroochydore Sands project," Dr Heiner said.

Mr Mullins also revealed plans to combat the acid sulphate soil issue, which would see high concentration areas of the site avoided and treatment ponds established.

"Where we do come in contact with potential acid sulphate soils, we will limit the exposure to open air by pumping the material in and out of the sand pit to reduce the chance of the material becoming acidic," he said.